Premier Inn to build 693-room hotel in central London

Whitbread has secured permission to develop a new 693-room hub by Premier Inn hotel in central London.

Westminster City Council has approved Whitbread’s plans for the 13-storey property at 5 Strand, close to the iconic Trafalgar Square.

Construction is set to begin in 2025, although a scheduled date for completion has not yet been revealed. The project is expected to cost in excess of £200 million.

Premier Inn wants to expand its presence in the UK capital and the company said the new property would be one of London’s “largest budget hotels” when it opens.

Hub by Premier Inn, which was launched 10 years ago, is designed to be a city centre brand and features rooms which are around half the size of those within standard Premier Inn hotels. It currently has 18 properties in central London and Edinburgh.

Mark Anderson, managing director for property and international at Whitbread, said: “5 Strand is an excellent example of how we think the hub by Premier Inn brand can evolve in Central London. 

“It also shows how we can use Whitbread’s strong balance sheet to acquire the best positioned, most accessible and high-demand locations in the capital to grow our brands.”

Whitbread said that the new London hotel at 5 Strand will be powered “solely by electricity generated by renewable sources” when it opens.